An article in the TIMES claims that HEFCE’s new proposals (now out to consultation) will put an end to “days of university researchers developing formulas for the perfect cheese sandwich” and other such “irrelevent research”. This is how the article interprets the effect of the research impact assessment element of the REF. David Sweeney of HEFCE is quoted as saying that: “The Research Excellence Framework will recognise and reward excellent research and sharing new knowledge to the benefit of the economy and society, and will ensure effective allocation of public funds”. Critics see this as a threat to academic freedom. See the full article at Timesonline